GREENOCK Morton, the Scottish club who `toughened up' Cardiff City goals ace Robert Earnshaw, wanted to keep the Welsh ace.

GREENOCK Morton, the Scottish club who `toughened up' Cardiff City goals ace Robert Earnshaw, wanted to keep the Welsh ace.

Earnshaw spent four matches on loan with Greenock in Scottish League Division One during 2000 - and he should have stayed three months.

He was recalled early after scoring twice - and playing a Scottish Cup tie against Glasgow Rangers.

The Morton manager was Ian Mc-Call, now in charge at Dundee United, and he said: "Earnie scored twice on his Scottish League debut, but I don't know if I was more impressed by his goals or his celebrations.

"Both were quality. "We tried to keep him, but it would have cost more than #1m at the time - and I'm certain the price has gone up considerably since then.

"He was the Welsh Michael Owen for us, a player with immense talent.

"We loved his goals and enjoyed his somersault to celebrate, but what I remember most about Robert Earn-shaw was that he was the gem of a boy, a lovely lad.

"He was clearly destined for the top, had great skill and lightning pace. But he just fitted in as one of the lads and I'd like to think he enjoyed his time with us."

Earnshaw played in three Scottish League matches for Greenock Morton, plus the Scottish Cup clash with Rangers, during January and February 2000.